United Nations
Office for Disarmament
Affairs
Spotlights
See the top, latest stories and events coming from UNODA.
Open Call for Civil Society Coordinator – International Meeting on Victim Assistance and Environmental Remediation
16 February, 2026
High Representative Izumi Nakamitsu Delivers a Video Message on the Occasion of the 59th Anniversary of the Treaty of Tlatelolco
16 February, 2026
High Representative Izumi Nakamitsu Delivered a Video Message to the Asia-Pacific iteration of the Small Arms and Light Weapons Fellowship Training Programme
16 February, 2026
High Representative Izumi Nakamitsu Delivers Opening Remarks for Regional Consultations for States Parties to the NPT
12 February, 2026
UNODA Vienna Office Marks the 80th Anniversary of the United Nations
12 February, 2026
Latest Issue of UNSGM Newsletter Now Available!
28 January, 2026
UNODA Director Adedeji Ebo Delivers Opening Remarks at the West and Central African Regional Conference on the TPNW Universalisation and Implementation
27 January, 2026
UNODA Occasional Paper No. 46
19 January, 2026
Malaysia ratifies the Outer Space Treaty
6 January, 2026
Updates
See the top, latest stories and events coming from UNODA.
Open Call for Civil Society Coordinator – International Meeting on Victim Assistance and Environmental Remediation
International Meeting on Victim Assistance and Environmental Remediation to be Convened by the Secretary-General pursuant to A/RES/80/56.-General pursuant to A/RES/80/56
Date: 24 April 2026 (United Nations Headquarters, New York)
The Secretariat invites expressions of interest from civil society organizations (CSOs) wishing to serve as the Civil Society Coordinator for the above-referenced meeting.
In line with operative paragraph 2 of General Assembly resolution 80/56, the meeting will bring together States, civil society organizations, scientists, academia…
Storytelling for nuclear disarmament: young leaders launch six creative projects to raise awareness and inspire action
Participants of the second phase of the Youth Leader Fund for a World without Nuclear Weapons (YLF) developed six storytelling projects with the aim to preserve memory, share the historical lessons from nuclear weapons use and testing, and advance advocacy for nuclear disarmament.
With coaching from the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), Atomic Reporters and the UN System Staff College (UNSSC), participants explored different journalism and storytelling techniques to create compelling, human-centered stories through two workshops where they started creating…
UNODA Vienna Office Marks the 80th Anniversary of the United Nations
Marking eighty years since the United Nations adopted its first General Assembly resolution on nuclear disarmament, the UNODA Vienna Office and the Central European University (CEU) co-hosted a landmark edition of the Vienna Conversation Series. The event offered a space to reflect on the past, present and future of multilateral disarmament, nuclear non-proliferation and arms control issues, as well as their linkage with other agendas in an era of growing global uncertainty.
Held in a hybrid format, the event brought together a diverse audience,…
UNODA Advances Nuclear Disarmament and Regional Security in West Africa
Accra, Ghana, 27–28 January 2026
UNODA Director Adedeji Ebo participated in the West and Central African Regional Conference on the Universalization and Implementation of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), held in Accra, Ghana, on 27 January. Hosted by the Government of Ghana with support from Austria and the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), the conference brought together representatives from 19 countries, including several States that have not yet signed or ratified the Treaty.
In his opening…
Events and Announcements
See the top events and announcements from UNODA.
Meetings and Events
Announcements
SG Statements
HR Statements
Press Releases
ODA at a glance
UNODA supports the development and implementation of practical disarmament measures after a conflict, such as disarming and demobilizing former combatants and helping them to reintegrate in civil society.
Established in January 1998
United Nations ODA was established in January 1998 as the Department for Disarmament Affairs which was part of the SG’s programme for reform in accordance with his report to the General Assembly (A/51/950).
Supports General and complete disarmament
The Office for Disarmament Affairs supports multilateral efforts aimed at achieving the ultimate goal of general and complete disarmament under strict and effective international control. The mandate for the programme is derived from the priorities established in relevant General Assembly resolutions and decisions in the field of disarmament, including the Final Document of the Tenth Special Session of the General Assembly, the first special session devoted to disarmament (resolution S-10/2).
Provides support in the area of disarmament
UNODA provides substantive and organizational support for norm-setting in the area of disarmament through the work of the General Assembly and its First Committee, the Disarmament Commission, the Conference on Disarmament and other bodies. It fosters disarmament measures through dialogue, transparency and confidence-building on military matters, and encourages regional disarmament efforts; these include the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms and regional forums.
Provides information to Member States
UNODA provides objective, impartial and up-to-date information on multilateral disarmament issues and activities to Member States, States parties to multilateral agreements, intergovernmental organizations and institutions, departments and agencies of the United Nations system, research and educational institutions, civil society, especially non-governmental organizations, the media and the general public.
Structure of ODA
The main parts of the Office for Disarmament Affairs, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the Trusteeship Council, the International Court of Justice, and the UN Secretariat. All were established in 1945 when the UN was founded.
Weapons of Mass Destruction
Support to multilateral disarmament and non-proliferation efforts with respect to weapons of mass destruction (WMD).
Conventional Arms
Focusing disarmament and arms control efforts on all weapons not considered WMD, including small arms and light weapons (SALW).
Regional Disarmament
The enhancement of global disarmament and international peace and security through the support and promotion of regional disarmament efforts.
Emerging Challenges
Include UNODA’s work in science and technology, AI, autonomous weapons, ICT and outer space, among other areas.
Cross-cutting issues
Include UNODA’s work in education, youth, gender, counter-terrorism the environment, among other areas.
Watch and Learn
Video and audio from across the United Nations and our world-wide family of agencies, funds, and programmes.
What is disarmament?
Throughout history, countries have pursued disarmament to stop arms races, build trust, and protect people from harm. Disarmament has been central to the work of the United Nations since its founding, and it is critical for building a more secure and peaceful world. But what actually is disarmament? This video introduces audiences to the ideas and concepts behind disarmament and arms control.
How does disarmament and arms control work?
This video takes a look at the processes and mechanisms behind modern disarmament and arms control, and how we work together to realise disarmament goals.
How to engage
In this video we look at how individuals can engage with disarmament, and the importance of strengthening cooperation and coordination at all levels. We also look at the need to engage with more diverse groups to bring new perspectives, expertise and ideas to the table.
Disarmament in the 21st Century
This video introduces audiences to “Securing our Common Future”, the Secretary-General’s Agenda for Disarmament. The Agenda is based on four key pillars designed to bring the objectives of disarmament into the 21st century. Examining each of the pillars, this video looks at how we approach disarmament today.
Disarmament and the Sustainable Development Goals
Here we take a look at the vital role disarmament and arms control play in achieving the sustainable development goals.
